1. Interview Skills Effectively handling common interview questions
Wei Li Wong
Centre for Career Development
CRICOS 00111D TOID 3059

2. Workshop Aims Interview preparation
Techniques to enhance interview performance
Handling common interview questions through practice and feedback
How the Centre for Career Development can assist you

3. Purpose of the interview
The employer’s objective: to attract and appoint the best
applicant for the organisation.
They want to assess:
Can you do the job?
Will you do the job?
Will you fit in?
Typical structure of an interview
Rapport building / ice breaker discussion
Overview of role and company
Getting to know you and your story
Behavioural questions: preset questions often based on the selection criteria.
Your questions
The close / the next steps

4. Interview skill tips Cultural differences
Interviewers expect open & direct answers to questions
Need to talk about your achievements with a positive, marketing focus
Body language needs to be open
Eye contact needs to be maintained
Communication skills
English may be your second language – focus on speaking slowly & clearly
Focus on the benefits of your foreign language skills
Some cultures emphasize modesty & humility

5. Types of interviews Panel Group Telephone Centre Assessment Centre
1:1
Panel
Group
1: Group Assessment
Telephone Centre
Assessment Centre
Grouphone
Behavioural Behavioural
Provide an overview of each type of interview including advantages and disadvantages. When talking about each type of interview, ask students to share their own experiences.
One on one
Panel
Group
Telephone
Behavioural
Assessment Centre

6. Preparing for an interview

7. What things do you need to consider to be an excellent interviewee?
Get student s input

8. Now get into pairs…… You will be working with this person through this workshop.
Group discussion

9. “Tell me about yourself”
Does not mean tell me everything, but rather tell me about yourself in relation to this job
Your answer should refer to your:
Qualifications and skills as a result
Employment/experience and skills as a result
Personal characteristics
Interest in the position and insight into the company
Keep your answer to under two minutes
This is a question you should be prepared to answer as opposed to attempting to ‘wing it’
Don’t assume that the interview will be able to connect all the dots. It is your job as the interviewee to make sure the interviewer understands how your experiences are transferable to the position they are seeking to fill

10. Your turn
Tell me about yourself

11. Why do you want to work in this profession?
You could talk about:
Your interest and passion for the field
Skills you have, such as problem solving, that relate to your profession
If this has been a lifelong goal, talk about why
Any relevant experience you have and what you enjoyed about it
Why your course at university has cemented your motivation to work within this field, such as major projects

12. Why do you want to work in this profession?
Your turn
Why do you want to work in this profession?

13. Which is the best approach?
What is your weakness?
Different Approaches:
Exaggerate a strength – be careful how you phrase it, as this approach can be irritating to the interviewer
Pick a weakness which will have no impact on your job
Discuss your weakness as an area for improvement
Which is the best approach?

14. Behavioural Interview Questions
EXAMPLES:
Tell me about a time when you demonstrated initiative. What did you do? What was the outcome?
Can you describe a situation in which you were required to demonstrate teamwork? Excellent communication skills? What did you do? What was the outcome?
Can you provide an example of when you have been required to bring about an innovative solution to a problem?
Behavioural job interview questions are based on the premise that past behaviour is the best predictor of future behaviour – and that's why they are so often asked by employers when assessing candidates during a job interview.

15. Preparation for behavioural answer – using STAR
Situation – set the context for your story.
• Task – what was required of you.
• Activity – what you actually did.
• Result – how well the situation played out.

16. Your turn
Tell me about a time you solved a complex problem? What steps did you take? What was the result?

17. Tips
The interviewer is trying to determine what you define as ‘complex' so try to choose an example that is challenging but not impossible to resolve.
The interviewer wants to see that you have problem-solving skills, initiative and the ability to work around less-than desirable situations. Clearly explain how you identified the problem and reached a solution both professionally and quickly.
Keep in mind they are interested in determining how your actions and decisions will affect the business, so always describe a conclusion that shows you acting in a positive way for the company.

18. Your turn
Tell me about a time you had to work as part of a team and you had a team member who wasn’t helping or doing their share of the work. What did you do to fix the situation? What was the result?

19. Tips
Talk about an example where you had the chance to solve the problem and you (or your group) used a method that worked
Give examples of how you were a good team member, including being willing to listen and contribute, respecting and encouraging of others skills
As a result, what are the skills you have gained? Perhaps an ability to reach agreements with others and/or identify team member’s strengths and divide tasks appropriately

20. Practicing your answers provides greater confidence
The interviewers want to hear about you, from you and what makes you suitable for the position on offer – to do this successfully you need to have rehearsed
If you haven’t thought about the message you want to get across you may inadvertently provide personal information rather than highlight your professional qualities. As a result discrimination may occur
Employers want to hear relevant examples – so write out your examples prior to the interview and rehearse
Video a practice interview and see yourself back
Practice makes permanent Off beat questions test your ability to think quickly, your sense of humour and whether or not you will ‘fit’ into the organisation: Examples:

21. Have some ready for when you are asked:
“Do you have any questions for us?”
Remember, you’re interviewing and assessing them as well
What would my typical day in this role consist of?
What are the long-term goals of your company?
Ask questions which make you look good and demonstrate your company research
I understand that one of your clients was ABC,
I’m curious to know how long that project took?
Don’t ask about salary, holidays, bonuses
* Why? You don’t want to give the impression you are only interested in your needs, not those of the employer
Prepare questions Off beat questions test your ability to think quickly, your sense of humour and whether or not you will ‘fit’ into the organisation: Examples:

22. You will be assessed on both your verbal and non-verbal skills including:
Clear and audible voice and tone
Pronunciation and expression
Eye contact
Posture (sit up straight)
Your overall body-language (don’t fidget)
During the interview Off beat questions test your ability to think quickly, your sense of humour and whether or not you will ‘fit’ into the organisation: Examples:

23. Signs of dishonesty or lying
Signs of irresponsibility or aggressiveness
Signs of tardiness or inability to meet work commitments
Lack of willingness to be managed
Complaining or blaming things on others
Lack of motivation
Lack of enthusiasm for the company and its goals
Warning signs an interviewer looks for Off beat questions test your ability to think quickly, your sense of humour and whether or not you will ‘fit’ into the organisation: Examples:

24. Learn from your mistakes Learn from your mistakes
Debrief – talk to someone about the interview so that you can remind yourself of the questions and your answers, that way you’ll be better prepared for your next interview
If you miss out on the job – ring and ask why
Ask to be kept in mind if any other similar or suitable positions become available
Don’t give up!
Learn from your mistakes Learn from your mistakes

25. The Centre For Career Development
Web:
Facebook: Swinburne Careers and Employment
Twitter: @swincareers
LinkedIn: Swinburne Centre for Career Development Group
LEVEL 2, The George Building, Hawthorn Campus

26. Any further questions? Wei Li Wong Global Career Development Advisor
Centre for Career Development